Arid Peak Lookout

In 1934, a 20-foot tower was built with an L-4 cab.

In 1969, the legs of the tower were replaced during the last year of staffing. It would lit idle for the next 25 years.

In 1996 and 1997, the lookout was renovated by a team of over 30 volunteers from the Forest Fire Lookout Association and the U.S. Forest Service. All of the beams atop the legs and underneath the cab were replaced, as were the stairs which had collapsed in 1970. The lookout was placed into the recreational rental program.

In 2023 during my visit, trees are starting to overtake the view and are quite close to the lookout itself. There is no defensible space and the lookout will burn down if there is a fire.

Lookout Elevation: 5,306 feet
Hiking Distance: 3 miles one way (from closest trailhead)
Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
Access: Good gravel road

Arid Peak Lookout

The gravel roads were good enough that any vehicle could make the trailhead. The worst section is probably along the West side of the St. Joe River, but really nothing that bad. Because the lookout is a rental, the road is likely cleared often. See map provided.